Apcon Paterson performed a fire report and upgrade for an existing warehouse with an outdated sprinkler system.
We successfully argued the inflammable goods in cardboard boxes the owner stored was a lower fire hazard category requiring an alarm rather than a sprinkler.
We retained the sprinkler as hydraulic heat detection saving a new alarm and removal of the sprinkler (Which no one wanted removed). Its retention had the added benefit of some fire suppression.
The extensive intermediate floor was then acceptable. With extensive roof lighting and daytime only operation we had light readings taken on the shortest day resulting in acceptance of the skylighting instead of new emergency lighting requiring ongoing testing and maintenance.
By thinking outside the box we satisfied the authorities, maintained safety and saved the client a lot of money and a New Zealand business competing against foreign imports.
Using as far as reasonably practicable arguments we have had other existing warehouses accepted with less upgrades.
